No 35 @ Sofitel Melbourne Iconic Melbourne Dining
No 35 at Sofitel Melbourne is an iconic dining space in the city of Melbourne, that specialises in honest clean food based on seasonality. Not only are the views amazing and a talking point, the No 35 kitchen has always been iconic in the fabric of Melbourne dining. Over the years we've seen some of Melbourne's best known Chefs spend seasons in the Sofitel (Josh Pelham, Scott Pickett at Paul Bocuse, George Calombaris to name a few).
Today No 35 continues as a vibrant culinary hub that delights. The World Loves Melbourne was invited to enjoy lunch at No 35 with Marketing Manager Fiona Byrne on a delightful summer's day, where the views were at their best. The lunch specials at No 35 are great value including 2 courses with glass of wine and tea or coffee for $45, and 3 courses with glass of wine and tea or coffee for $45. The dinner menu comes with the same honest food as lunch but builds with more options.
High ceilings, expensive and iconic artwork, and large windows define this graceful if not spectacular setting.
The view over Yarra River, NGV, Fed Square and other icons is simply stunning. As you enjoy your meal you find yourself gazing across the sweeping city views.
The Sofitel Melbourne presents with style. Bread with oil to start the meal, served on a board.
No 35 presents its dishes with a creative flourish, and this dish could be displayed in the NGV (seen from the restaurant). Marinated rockmelon, goats cheese bob-bons, bresaola, wild rocket.
Ham hock terrine, cauliflower pickle, black garlic, garden peas was rustic and rewarding. As far as terrines go, this was exceptional, with accompaniments bringing the perfect balance of flavour and texture.
Strawberry, watermelon salad, feta, mint was a refreshing side.
Seared king salmon, vegetables, caponata, braised zucchini flowers was a triumph. Skin crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked salmon inside that you could pull away with your fork. The zucchini flower was superb stuffed with goats cheese. The bed of caponata or Sicilian eggplant stew underneath was a highlight. This was a cracking lunch dish.
Lunch was imbibed until nearly 3pm when most had left. The World Loves Melbourne enjoyed talking food and Melbourne with Fiona Byrne, a Melbourne marketing, journalist, and foodie icon (and PR and Sponsorship Manager of The Sofitel Melbourne).
A side of French fries with garlic aoli is almost compulsory. The fries were perfect to mop up the juices from the Seared salmon dish.
Roast corn-fed chicken, barbecued baby cos, tabouleh was another superbly presented dish. This is honest food with the chicken the hero ingredient.
A spectacular dessert is the Tonka bean brulee, fresh biscotti, fresh raspberries.
Glazed mixed fruits and berries, vanilla custard, champagne sabayon was glorious cacophony of fruit and custard.
No 35 caters brilliantly for events, with preparations for a special function commencing as we left.
The World Loves Melbourne considers No 35 at Sofitel Melbourne an iconic dining experience in Melbourne. The food is honest and graceful, with technique and superb presentation. Highly recommended.
